The Wildcats' rushing attack has been less than frightening lately. But quarterback Ricky Santos (391 yards rushing, 12 TD) is capable and the Pirates have had some trouble with running QBs. Santos likes to hold the ball with the tailback until the last second before deciding whether to run or hand off.

On the other hand, Santos (250-of-366 passing, 2,681 yards) and the Wildcats' passing attack is as good as it gets on the I-AA level. Santos can make every throw, but likes to go short or intermediate. Eight Wildcats have at least 12 receptions and one touchdown catch this season, while Santos has 23 TD passes compared to five interceptions.

Will the Pirates' secondary double-team David Ball (82 receptions, 990 yards, 11 TD), one of the best receivers in I-AA history? If so, Keith LeVan (56 receptions) or Aaron Brown (33 receptions) could hurt them. The Wildcats give a multitude of looks from their no-huddle, pro-style offense, but Hampton's defenders should be OK because they defend a sophisticated no-huddle attack in practice daily.

Can the Wildcats handle Hampton's speed? The Pirates are faster than James Madison, whose defense dominated in a 42-23 thumping of the Wildcats. End Kendall Langford (13 tackles for loss) and linebacker Justin Durant (12 TFL) are NFL prospects who lead the assault up front. Cornerbacks Travarous Bain and Calvin Bannister are the speed-burners for a Hampton pass defense that has allowed a I-AA low 119.6 passing yards this season.

WHEN HAMPTON HAS THE BALL

If this game becomes a shootout -- a distinct possibility considering New Hampshire averages 36.5 points and 405 yards per game -- Hampton shouldn't worry. Senior tailback Alonzo Coleman (909 yards rushing, 11 TDs) appears to be about 90-percent healthy after being slowed by injuries most of the season. He's been hitting holes and getting around the corners as quickly as ever the past three games, rushing for 452 yards and six touchdowns.

If the Pirates can control the ball with the run, it will help their chances because that keeps the ball out of the hands of Santos and Ball. Senior quarterback Princeton Shepherd (126-of-190 passing, 1,564 yards, 15 TD, four interceptions) is a more-poised leader in first-year coordinator's Chris Beatty's quick-strike attack than he was in the Pirates' previous two playoff appearances.

Shepherd's top two receivers -- Marquay McDaniel (53 receptions, 909 yards, 12 TD) and Onrea Jones (53-727-5) -- can stretch the field or catch the ball underneath. The fact that the offensive line has been healthier the past three weeks, should help the Pirates whether they pass or run.

The Wildcats' defense took a hit when cornerback Corey Graham -- an All- American candidate -- was lost to a broken leg. The Wildcats give up some yards (322.1 ypg) and points (22.7 ppg) but have helped themselves with a plus-10 turnover margin. HU's no-huddle shouldn't bother the Wildcats, who also practice against it every day.

OUTLOOK

Both offenses will move the ball, so special teams might decide the issue. Graham's injury robs the Wildcats of the best returner. The Pirates boast statistical advantages in kickoff return average (25.3-20.8 yards) and net punting (36.6-31.0 yards).

Pirates' place kicker Andrew Paterini (15-of-20 field goals) has made more field goals from 30 yards or out (eight) than New Hampshire has made all season (seven). That said, the Wildcats have posted their numbers against a significantly more difficult schedule, including eight games in the brutal Atlantic 10 and a 34-17 win at I-A Northwestern. And NH is a solid 5-1 on the road.

But HU starts 16 seniors and the guess here is that one of them -- Paterini -- wins it with a late field goal: Hampton 38, NH 35.